A Road Trip from Bangalore to Adiyogi Shiva Statue Chikkaballapur

Things to Know

If you are looking for a one-day trip from Bangalore that combines spirituality, nature and adventure, then you might want to consider visiting the Isha Foundation Chikballapura. This is a new centre of Isha Foundation that houses a 112-foot Adiyogi statue is made of steel and weighs around 500 tonnes. It is 34 metres tall, 45 metres long and 25 metres wide. It is the world's largest bust sculpture according to the Guinness World Records. and a Naga shrine, surrounded by scenic hills and greenery. In this blog, I will share my experience of visiting this place and some tips on how to plan your trip.

How to reach Isha Foundation Chikballapura:

The Isha Foundation Chikballapura is located near Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district, about 65 kilometers north of Bangalore. The easiest way to reach there is by car or taxi, as the public transport options are limited. You can take the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway (NH 44) and exit at Peresandra. From there, follow the signboards for Isha Foundation for about 4 kilometers on a narrow road.

The drive from Bangalore to Isha Foundation Chikballapura takes about 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic. You can also combine this trip with a visit to Nandi Hills and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, which are nearby attractions. Nandi Hills is a popular hill station that offers panoramic views of the plains and clouds. Bhoga Nandishwara Temple is an ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.

What to expect at Isha Foundation Chikballapura:

The main attraction at Isha Foundation Chikballapura is the 112-foot Adiyogi statue, which is a tribute to the first yogi and guru in the world. The statue is made of steel and weighs 500 tons. It depicts Adiyogi with four faces, representing the four dimensions of existence: physical, mental, emotional and energy. The statue is designed to inspire people to explore their inner potential and transcend their limitations. The modelling of Adiyogi’s face and research into the making technology took three years with the actual fabrication taking only eight months. The cost of the statue is not publicly disclosed, but some sources estimate it to be around Rs 50 crore

The statue is also a part of a larger project called Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga, which aims to create a powerful space for inner transformation and wellbeing. The project will include consecrated spaces such as a Linga Bhairavi temple, a Navagraha shrine, a Theerthakund (a sacred pool), an Isha Samskriti school, an Isha Home School program, a Kshetragna (a meditation hall), an Isha Leadership Academy, and a Rejuvenation Center.

The other attraction at Isha Foundation Chikballapura is the Naga shrine, which is a circular structure with 112 serpents carved on it. The shrine is dedicated to the Naga or the serpent energy, which is considered to be the source of life and creation. The shrine offers various processes and offerings for devotees, such as Jala Offering (water and neem leaves), Dosha Nivarana Arpane (flowers and red earth), Dhoop Arpane (incense), Kala Sarpa Seva (a potent process with the serpents), and Naga Arati (a ritual with lamps).

The center is open from 6 AM to 8 PM on all days. Visitors can take part in the many offerings and processes available at the Yogeshwar Linga and Naga shrine, and experience the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam every evening. This is a powerful 14-minute video imaging show projected on the Adiyogi statue, which depicts Adiyogi's contribution to humanity. The show is accompanied by a narration by Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation.

# Shirdi Sai Baba Temple near Chikkaballapur.

The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of the saint.The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is also open throughout the day and you can offer your prayers and receive blessings from the idol of Sai Baba. The temple also has a meditation hall, a library, a canteen and a souvenir shop. You can also participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies such as Kakad Aarti, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti and Shej Aarti

Tips for visiting Isha Foundation Chikballapura

• - If you are planning to visit Isha Foundation Chikballapura, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable:
  
• - Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will have to walk around the center. Avoid wearing black or dark colors, as they attract heat.
  
• - Carry water bottles, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, as it can get hot during the day.
  
• - Respect the sanctity of the place and follow the instructions of the volunteers.
  
• - Do not touch or climb on the statue or the shrine.
  
• - Do not litter or make noise.
  
• - Do not take photos or videos inside the centre.
  
• - Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the positive vibes.
  
• - If you have time, you can also explore nearby places such as Nandi Hills and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple.

# What to eat

There are many options for food along the way from Bangalore to Chikkaballapur. You can stop at any of the restaurants or cafes on the highway or in the town for a quick bite or a full meal. Some of the popular dishes to try are Mangalore Buns, Apple Pie, and Gobi Manchurian.  

If you are looking for a more authentic experience, you can also visit Nandi Upachar near Nandi Hills, which is a vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional Karnataka cuisine with organic ingredients. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the hills from their rooftop garden.

#What to pack

Since you will be visiting two spiritual places, it is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops or anything that might be considered inappropriate. You can also carry a scarf or a shawl to cover your head if required.

You should also carry enough water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and umbrella to stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. The summer months can be hot and dry in this region, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

# Conclusion

A road trip from Bangalore to Isha Yoga Centre and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a great way to spend a day with your family or friends. You can experience the spiritual vibes of these two places and also enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. It is a trip that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

I hope you found this blog helpful and informative. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Happy travelling!

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